Sword Identification

[Rob S]

I just acquired this sword and I know nothing about it... I would appreciate any info and no I am not a commercial entity. Just a collector of cool things.

Edited August 15, 2021 by Rob S
Adding photos

[MarcoUdin]

Welcome Rob,

 

From the picture provided it looks like a REPRO Gunto.

 

If you're able to take out the mekugi-ana(peg) to disassemble it and see the nakago(tang) of the sword.

 

Added a link for how to do it, scroll down to the part that says care and maintenance.

https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

 

Edited August 15, 2021 by MarcoUdin
To add link, more pics were added

[Moley]

Sorry - I would have said it was a Fake.

[Rob S]

Thank you so much for your quick reply... The wrap is covering the peg I think

[Brian]

For now, I'm going to say fake/reproduction.

 

[Geraint]

Dear Robert.

 

I have to agree with Gwyn and Brian, this is at best a modern reproduction of a Shingunto, a WWII army sword.  The shaping of the blade, the exaggerated pattern in the steel, the detail of the fittings, the way the hilt is wrapped, all confirm this.

 

Not to worry, stick around and find out more.

 

All the best.

[Rob S]

Thank you all for your quick replies... I am disappointed of course. I thought that I made a great find. I do appreciate the information.

[Rob S]

Does it hold any value?

[MarcoUdin]

Sorry, when I initially saw the post and their was only one photo uploaded of the scabbard. Now that their are other pictures I can assure you a 100% it's a reproduction. Too bad, because the other green scabbards I've seen have always had nice blades inside them.

[Brian]

1 hour ago, Rob S said:

Does it hold any value?

Not really.

[ChrisW]

2 hours ago, Rob S said:

Does it hold any value?

To us collectors of nihonto? No.  As a decorator's piece? $50-150 at best.

[Rob S]

Thank you!

[AntiquarianCat]

Hello Rob,

I’m sorry about your sword. If it is any consolation though, there are guides in how to avoid them.
Damascus “hada” and misshapen kissaki are often found in lower end replica http://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html 

Some are more convincing than that nowadays (Changtian sword) and the only safe way to be able to recognize them is to look at photos of good swords, their geometry, nakago and kissaki till you’re familiar with what’s normal.

 

Usagiya is full of a ton of photos and you can look at dealer sites to get more examples. http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/index.html
Hope these links help.

[Tom Darling]

You could possibly bail out with the tsuka, saya and tsuba without the blade on ebay, even if they are not original?  All is not lost. 

[Rob S]

Thank you very much.... I spent $100.00 on this learning experience. You all have been very gracious with your replies.

[ChrisW]

If you're looking for a legitimate piece, stick around! Watch the sales happening here, you'll surely find something you like.

[SAS]

It will deter door to door "salesmen".

[Bazza]

Robert, just to clinch this do please show us the tang, both sides, full-length from notches to tang tip in good photos.  I'm intrigued to see what appears to be edge steel and the grooves add another element (I think) not usually seen in run-of-the-mill repros.

 

BaZZa.

[Bruce Pennington]

I agree with Barry's thoughts on the fuller groove being unusual for fakes.

You can see the peg (mekugi).  Tap it out from one side or the other and the tsuka should come off:

 

[Rob S]

The wrap is covering the opposite side of the peg and is very tight... What would you reccimend?

[SAS]

Get a mekuginuki (tool for removing peg) and use it to move the ito aside, then push the mekugi out; it may take a sharp rap to get it started.

[DoTanuki yokai]

I would not try to remove this "tsuka", i think you will break it.

 

[Rob S]

Ohhhh ok. What should I do for further identification?

[Sunny]

On 8/15/2021 at 9:13 AM, Rob S said:

Thank you so much for your quick reply... The wrap is covering the peg I think

You may be able to get away with the cut off end of an old wooden chop stick if you have nothing else or to be extra careful just cut a Qtip in half and push with the padded end if it's not that hard to move.

I'm guessing that peg is painted in.

[SAS]

A pin punch would work also if you are careful.

[Bruce Pennington]

The tool look like this and is easy to use.  You slip it under the edge of the wrap and tap out the peg.  It's easy to do and won't damage your wrap.

[b.hennick]

You can unscrew the pin at the top of the tool and use it against the peg. Then use the hammer to tap the pin.